Europe is experiencing its worst drought in at least 500 years. Forest fires, melting glaciers and other disasters are threatening entire regions and landscapes across Europe.

As these areas change, things previously unseen are being revealed. Recently, drought has affected riverbeds in many parts of the world, uncovering archaeological treasures that were previously hidden.

Here are some of the most surprising finds so far!

Italy: Ancient supports of Nero's Bridge

With the River Tiber receding rapidly, the low water level has revealed two of the ancient supports of Nero's Bridge. The bridge was built in the 1st century so that Nero could reach his hillside gardens near what is now St. Peter's Square. The bridge supports were destroyed in the 3rd century and are usually submerged.

During drier seasons, one of the supports usually appears above water, while the other two are rarely seen. "Since the water level in the river is currently very low because severe drought is affecting all of Italy, we can see more of the bridge supports than usual," explains historian Anthony Majanlahti. (...)
AP photograph used for the original article